Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Well worth it - I highly recommend - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By medina607 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought my base 4 cylinder 4WD new, have averaged only 10,00 miles a year, and have absolutely no complaints. Very reliable. Great looking little SUV with surprising cargo capability - I once fit a twin size mattress in it with the back hatch closed. Have to believe that buying one of these used is a good choice.

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  good car - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Luis camey - March 25 - 11:16 pm

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  Great Small Truck + Lots of Fun - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael02pb - March 25 - 9:26 am

  I will admit its not something to buy if you are going to be towing heavy payloads, however if you are needing a truck to move large objects and still want to drive it to work everyday I would highly recommend the Toyota Tacoma. It is very friendly to work on and drive. The design is so well thought out that I have never had a problem with someone being in my blind spot without me knowing. Its a big plus for me because it gets good gas mileage and it can handle what ever I give it.

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  Doesnt meet all needs, but good vehicle. - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By e96732 - March 24 - 8:26 am

  The V6 on this little SUV jumps and accelerates well. Coming from a standard 5-speed 4x4 (Pathfinder), its taking me a little getting used to the auto tranny lag time on the gas pedal. But the power is very impressive once engaged. The ride is very smooth. Has reduced noise, compared to my CRV. The tapered cabin provides more space to the front seats than youd think. Havent tested it off road yet, but soon.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Cherie - March 23 - 8:03 am

  I find my Prius to have plenty of power when I need it. I enjoy watching the mileage indicator hovering around 50 mpg just driving around. I sometimes hit 58 mpg on the highway. I really appreciate that I only fill it up once every two weeks.

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  I think Ive had enough - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By toyotagearhead - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I only bought this car because I needed to drive something. My old Celica got totaled. It is a decent car, however, the exterior design got old real fast. I wish I would have bought a 94 to 99 Celica or waited to see if a new design is going to come out anytime soon.

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  No rear a/c and poor driveability - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By smezbryant - March 22 - 5:40 pm

  No fun to drive! Plenty peppy for 4 cyl, but handling isnt fun. I got the base model which was a mistake--it didnt have basic safety like ABS or side curtain airbags. Its super cute on the outside, has good room in the backseat. Front cup holders are too skinny for most drinks.

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  Remote starter ?????????????? - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By barville21 - March 22 - 2:25 pm

  Remote doesnt work 99% of the time. In 6 weeks of winter, it started my car 3 times. All with me outside, near the car. Dealer gave me an extremely hard time. Went There 4 times before they agreed to take it out and refund my money. They dont have a better remote to choose from and it cost just shy of $600. Worse yet, after I had it installed and complianed ,2 employees told me they knew it wasnt a good starter. Back window has a poor view. Rearview mirrors doesnt dim headlights enough. Can be dangerous.

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  2000 miles later - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma - March 21 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first Tacoma, but Ive been in love with this truck for years. It handles fine for me; its just a truck, not a sports car. Off-road the truck handles well and performs better, but the stock tires need to go if you plan on doing some serious off-roading. Otherwise, Ive been averaging over 20 mpg doing mostly highway driving through the Cumberland mountains (a 4spd automatic might have been a better choice since the 4cylinder needs to be in 4th gear to climb hills on the interstate). The base model comes with no frills, but I can handle crank windows and push mirrors--its a truck plane and simple.

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  Dispointed - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Al - March 21 - 10:16 am

  I was heavily influenced by the favorate reviews. After purchasing I was dispointed for two major reasons. The car looks fine when stands alone but appears so tiny when parked next to most other vehicles. Gas mileage is more like 20 rather than 28 even with 95% high way driving. That was one major reason I bought this vehicle. I would go exchange for something else if there were such a thing as exchanging a new car, like what you do in a supermarket.